Terraset Elementary School

11411 Ridge Heights Road

Reston, VA 20191

School District

Fairfax County Public Schools
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:12
Type

public

School Map for Fairfax County Public Schools

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 18, 2023

We have found the school to not be welcoming to new children. We recently moved from overseas and my child was bullied for being the new kid by a known bully (who is even known to the parents as the school bully). The school did not do anything for new students, and though my child has been ok, this has been a stark difference from our previous school where new children were made to feel welcome. My child has repeatedly said that American children are so mean. Academically, it seems like the teachers often phone it in and rely on iPads to do their teaching for them. We are working with our child separately to ensure academic progress because there don’t seem to be accountability nor standards in the classroom.
Submitted by parent on June 17, 2023

The school separates kids into general track and advanced without transparency of the process. We pointed out error to the administrators and they apologized for the mistakes but did zero to actually address it. This separation denies general track kids access to advanced material/curriculum and environment to learn from all peers, not just the one left behind. Although general ed teachers were great, fundamentally, separation into group hurts your child’s opportunity to grow. The saddest part - the school separated advanced track during graduation placing them on one side of the room.and that section was the one getting most award at graduation. What a clear visual.
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2020

This school lacks diversity and inclusion even though there is a large poster on the wall that is supposed to make children fee welcome. The challenges for children of color has grown and has been seriously ignored. If the matter is brought to the staff attention they ignore the problem or try to make it seem like your child is problematic. The U.S Department of Education really needs to look into this and why it’s so common. A lot of parent of children of color don’t know who to go to or who to talk to about their concerns since there seems to be no place for guidance within the school system
Submitted by parent on August 09, 2019

Amazing. This school is by far one of the best with strong leadership and excellent teachers.
Submitted by parent on January 30, 2019

My daugher loves Terasset and I love how connected the school is to the neighborhood and the families. Its absolutely beautiful architecturally but the teachers and staff are beautiful too. Always welcoming and friendly. The library is especially nice.. the out-door class room... Terraset is full of lovely surprises. If I could change one thing, I would have better quality food for the cafeteria. The menu is not bad but the quality is not there. Still, I believe it is better than most schools in the area, as it even has a fresh salad bar. All in all, Terraset is the school of my dreams.
Submitted by parent on March 18, 2018

We've really enjoyed the character and environment at Terraset. It's a warm and trusting space, and my daughter is getting individuated learning attention. She was moved into advanced math after a few months and I get the sense that the teachers are really paying attention to individual needs. Also, the school is a true neighborhood school with the warmth, safety and community spirit that any family would benefit from. Don't trust that 4 rating. This place is a gem.
Submitted by parent on October 27, 2017

Terraset is just an impressive place. With the completed renovation, the physical space is outstanding and designed to teach children in a range of ways. The outdoor classroom is a highlight of the school, for example. Terraset is part of the Positivity Project, which is truly impressive in teaching children key skills to deal with all sorts of issues; it teaches communication skills and standing up for oneself, the importance of citizenship, the beauty of our differences, and how to handle problems. In fact, the number one word I would use to describe the school is positive. My children have simply not experienced bullying. Ms. Trout is a phenomenal principal, and the fact that she herself attended Terraset only increases her devotion to the school community. It is clear the teachers enjoy working for and with her, which cannot be overstated. Also, Terraset may receive a lower "score" here due to the diversity of the student population. We adore the diversity and the different cultures our children have learned about from the diverse student population. Terraset does a remarkable job of combining the range of backgrounds of students and using it for the greater learning experience of the student population. Every teacher we had boasted over 10 years of experience and experience in the current grade.
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2017

We love Terraset and have had a very positive experience here. The staff is wonderful and has always addressed any concerns we have had. They are working really hard to make sure kids feel included and have great character.
Submitted by parent on February 09, 2017

This school is very, very good! Great school, awesome teachers, outstanding principal!
Submitted by other on January 06, 2017

Terraset has been a Godsend for us. The Principal is amazing. The teachers are awesome. The facilities are clean and well organized. Our son is learning at rapid speed and feels very connected to the school community. We are thrilled with our Terraset experience!
Submitted by parent on August 29, 2015

My child has had a great experience at Terraset. The reviewer who complained about fathers not being as welcome to participate is wrong -- dads are very welcome to volunteer at Terraset. My husband has spent as much time volunteering at school as I have. The Watchdogs program is not exclusive to our school, and yes there is a small fee, but it is so worth it. Ms. Trout is a fantastic principal and the renovations are beautiful. They took a cramped, badly outdated building and turned it into a gorgeous school, not sure why anyone would complain about that. Can't wait for the new year to start!
Submitted by parent on August 06, 2015

With two children presently at Terraset, I've been disappointed that the quality of care and education doesn't match other Reston schools. If looking to buy, I'd pick a home in another boundary. Terraset is too focused on appearances and building renovations. Fathers wanting to volunteer are charged for the privilege (watchdogs.) Why in this day and age there would be a gender requirement for participation is beyond me. It certainly sends the wrong message to the children. Schools should reinforce that ALL adults are equal and therefore capable of doing ALL jobs. Teacher quality has been a mixed bag (some great, some quite bad.) Not even the principal lives in the community.
Submitted by parent on June 16, 2015

We have one child finishing his 4th year at Terraset and another kindergarten. We absolutely love this school and are so lucky to have our kids enrolled there. The faculty, staff, and students are exceptional, providing a diverse, creative, productive, and educational environment. Principal Trout is incredibly involved and deeply cares about her students and school. We could not ask for a better school for our kids.
Submitted by parent on May 30, 2014

My son is just finishing up second grade at Terraset. We have been so incredibly happy with everything since he started in Kindergarten. The new principal has brought a great philosophy to the school, and every child gets to do the level of work he is capable of. My son gets pulled out for advanced math and is reading far above the level of a typical 2nd grader, and they support him in all of his interests. In fact, he did have some problems with the social aspects of school, and the school counselor invited him into a small group lunch time setting to work on those problems. I cannot express enough how happy we have been. My younger child is starting Kindergarten in the fall, and I look forward to seeing how they work with her!
Submitted by parent on April 18, 2014

Great school, great teachers and a wonderful principal. Very excited for the renovations to be finished.
Submitted by parent on October 21, 2012

I had very bad experience at this school, one teacher my kid had was careless, lack of skills and punished my child for personal reason, not only in the classroom, but also by sending the administration false and intentionally misleading information.I'd give this teacher 0 star for the performance. some teachers are good,like the one my child had two years ago, that's why I am giving 4 stars for that reason. 2 stars average. The newly retired principal abused power, covered up to continuing her mismanagement. I am glad that there is a new principal now.I wish the teachers' quality could improve over the time under the new principal.
Submitted by parent on July 13, 2012

Terraset Tiger Pride abounds! This summer about 20 of our teachers are volunteering their own time to run a summer reading program, two days a week, for 8 weeks. Isn't that fantastic! This is why Terraset is such a fantastic school... the teachers really care.
Submitted by parent on July 12, 2012

I have had 2 boys graduate from Terraset and my youngest will be entering the 5th grade in September. We have had wonderful experiences with this school, especially with the special education teachers. Kudos to Ann Donovan and her special education team, to Ellen Cury, Terraset's retiring principal and to the other great teachers my children have had. Thank you!
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2011

My family has been part of the Terraset Community for nearly four years. It is wonderful. The teachers, parents, adminsitration and environment all enable a positive learning experience. My daughter skips off to school every day with eager anticipation. Terraset offers a wide variety of academic, cultural and lifestyle opportunities in both its standard curriculum and enrichment programs... honestly, you couldn't ask for more!
Submitted by parent on September 13, 2011

Terraset, it's community, staff, and PTA are top notch. With such a small population, the classrooms tend to be so much smaller than the surrounding schools. My son has had such amazing teachers every year, we know that this is just the right school for our family. I can not say enough about the leadership of the administration and the relationship that they have with the community. And our PTA... what an amazing group of parents that go above and beyond for the staff and students. We love Terraset!